Paula Alvarado, Correspondent Photo by Agustin Segui
Paula Alvarado
An environmentally friendly focus used to be far from collective consciousness, but with a growing understanding over recent years, its popularity has been gaining stride. Not only are more people energized to about “going green”, but there have also been profits to gain as well, such as in eco-tourism, green design architecture, and natural fiber fashion design. Paula Alvarado, age 23 and correspondent for TreeHugger.com, says that many people do not believe they can truly help the environment in any measurable scale, or perhaps they think it’s not their responsibility. Paula notes though that it’s truly the small everyday things that make a world of difference, and TreeHugger.com has stepped in to educate readers on how to reduce waste and reuse products that usually head straight for the trashcan. Learn more about Paula’s work and what you can do to help communities go green in this week’s Non-Profit Spotlight.
I’ve lived all my life in a small city in the suburbs of Buenos Aires called Wilde, about 40 minutes from downtown, but I’m moving to Buenos Aires city in just a few days.
Current residence
Palermo, Buenos Aires
Education
Journalist, studied in a College named TEA in Buenos Aires. Graduated in 2003.
Ethnicity
Argentinean, living in Buenos Aires.
About the Non-profit
TreeHugger is a blog founded by designer and entrepreneur Graham Hill, about sustainable/green design. The idea is to bring green solutions to people that do not have the time nor interest to think about ecology or sustainability. We show them that green products can be cool and aesthetic, and that with small everyday choices you can make a huge difference.
Most notable milestones
I would say it has been an amazing connection tool among people in general with sustainability behavior and issues.
What’s the niche?
I think the key is the tone—for example, we don’t go around telling people they’re mean just because they own something made from.
What’s the biggest challenge?
There are many. I would say energy and waste are two major issues for sustainability.
What’s in store for the future?
A lot has been said about a “new green movement”, conformed by young people and companies like TreeHugger, that embrace sustainability from a different point of view. And while some may think it’s just a fad, I feel it’s not. I think there are certain kinds of young people that are willing to make some clever changes in their everyday life if they feel it’s going to make a difference for the future. And because of this belief, I only see TreeHugger and everyone involved in this practice growing and taking sustainability to a more mainstream level.
Who would you like to be contacted by?
Everyone interested in getting involved in green design, sustainability, and/or that thinks he/she has something useful to share with our readers.
I don’t think I have one principle, but some things I’ve been taught are to treat people with respect, not to waste anything -as there’s always someone with needs-, and always to do what I feel.
Yardstick of success
Well, I don’t have an achievement that I’m particularly proud of, but every time I get thank e-mails from people I featured in TreeHugger I feel incredible.
Goal yet to be achieved
Maybe write a book someday, but I really don’t know. I’m happy with what I’m doing.
Best practical advice
Regarding sustainability, I would say reduce the waste you produce everyday. Regarding life in general, become who you want to be.
Supportive words from a family member or friend on your venture
“You can be anything you want”, from my mother and father, all the time.
Mentor
I would say a college teacher I had in second year. He wasn’t really a mentor, but he was very supportive and enthusiastic about my work, and that made me feel I could really do this.
What motivated you to get started?
I always like to leave things flow, and with TreeHugger it was just that, I contacted Graham by chance because I was working in an article for another magazine, and he said TH was looking for correspondents, so I jumped in. As soon as I started, I discovered really interesting passionate people working for this, and I was thrilled.
What keeps you motivated?
I really have to be motivated, because my everyday job demands a lot, and I work for TreeHugger in my spare time. But how can’t you be motivated? Just by seeing what this site has become is amazing, and most of all, I find it useful and interesting every time I get in, so I’m excited to be a part of it.
Like best about what you do
Journalism in general is fun, but I would say meeting people and places all the time is what I dig the most. And when I interview someone and I get a good conversation, it’s the best.
“I don’t think I have one principle, but some things I’ve been taught are to treat people with respect, not to waste anything -as there’s always someone with needs-, and always to do what I feel.”
Like least about what you do
I’m a little obsessive and I spend too much time with articles. I can’t just do something quick without paying attention, or repeat myself. And that means more hours, more work.
At age 10, what did you want to be when you grew up?
A dentist, because I loved the one I had. She was classy, beautiful and so kind. (I’m still pretty obsessive about teeth care).
Biggest pastime outside of work
I love going to art exhibitions with my boyfriend, he’s inventive and always comes up with a game to play with the paintings or photographs. In the summer I also love just walking around Buenos Aires at night with him.
Person most interested in meeting
I admire people that aren’t attached to material things, who are whiling to have interesting conversations and just enjoying life and nature. Everyone like that sounds good to me.
Leader in business most interested in meeting
I don’t know… Maybe Bill Gates, he’s been doing some good work through his foundation, and of course he’s a visionary.
Three interesting facts about yourself
I learn things pretty fast, and I get bored pretty quick too, so I have to keep myself moving all the time. Also, I’m usually very energetic and people tell me that I inspire them to do things.
Top of Page
